RichardM

I agree it's an absolutely superb model and say that without hesitation. I would have preferred it to have the same haulage capacity as their equally nice D Class and, personally, have no aversion to traction tyres if they run true, as my D Class and Hornby T9 do. It's got me wondering whether the geared driving axle from the D Class would fit as a direct replacement - surely it should - so if anyone with traction tyre phobia has swopped their traction-tyred D Class leading axle for the plain one that was supplied and would like to part with it......! As has been said, 4-4-0s are a problem in 00 but I have a few old Wills and K's [with Portescap or XT60 motors] that I built in the 70s with the tender lightly bearing on the rear of the loco. They will haul almost anything but of course the detail doesn't compare with today's offerings.

After more years than I care to mention, I am finishing a Wills Finecast Wainwright D Class which I would like to put into unlined black with "British Railways" tender lettering and numbering in "Sunshine" style for the immediate post-nationalisation era. I am aware that Rails have produced 31731 in this form. Can anyone help me please by suggesting an alternative number that is known to have carried this livery?

Hi Steve. That is extremely helpful. Many thanks indeed. Richard

Thanks for the info and apologies if this question is covered in another thread, but can anyone confirm based on practical experience whether these operate by passing contact ie (on)-(on) switches or latching, ie on-on ones? I have seen the Modeller review implying that the switches are latching and the photo seems to support that, but there is also a comment somewhere that these require passing contact only for operation to avoid burn out, like the previous single arm ones. It's a lot of money to take a chance that there is now a sensible operating method in force. Many thanks in advance for any information.

Thank you. I just thought you should be alerted to this. It would be easy to change but I am sure you would prefer to get it right if it needs amendment, as I think you will find it does. Richard

Delighted to see the 16xx [duly ordered] but puzzled why the St Blazey version has an 84B shed code not 83E. Steam finished at Cornwall sheds 9/1962 and at St.Blazey a little earlier when it was still 83E. Of course, it would be easy to change, but why not get it right in the first place? Photographic evidence to prove me wrong welcome!